Certificate in Climate Risk
The Certificate in Climate Risk is a globally recognised qualification designed to equip financial services professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand, assess and manage climate‑related risks. It provides a robust foundation in climate science, regulation and financial risk management, supporting the sector’s role in the transition to a sustainable, low‑carbon economy aligned with global goals such as the Paris Agreement.
Developed by the Chartered Body Alliance and awarded by the Chartered Banker Institute, the qualification reflects the latest thinking in climate risk, sustainable finance and regulatory practice. It is suitable for professionals across banking, insurance, investment management, regulation and consultancy who wish to develop and demonstrate expertise in this rapidly evolving area.
The qualification aims to develop learners’ professional knowledge, understanding and skills relating to climate change, climate risk and sustainable finance, enabling them to better support customers, clients, colleagues and communities in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world.
- Duration: Approximately 12 weeks of study for the 9‑unit programme (around 130 hours of learning). Enrolment valid for one year.
- Level: SCQF Level 8 (broadly comparable to EQF Level 5 and RQF Level 5).
- Credits: 13
- Cost: £625 (includes learning materials and first exam sitting); resits £145.
- Eligibility: Open to financial services professionals globally. No formal prior qualifications are required, although an understanding of risk management principles is recommended.
The qualification also contributes to the Professional Banker Diploma and the Diploma in Sustainable Banking.
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The Certificate in Climate Risk contributes to the Professional Banker Diploma when combined with Professional Banker Certificate 2019 (or an earlier version of the Professional Banker Certificate) and a second Professional Banker Diploma module.
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Duration: Approximately 130 hours of study (self‑paced)
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Cost: £625 per candidate (includes learning materials and first exam sitting); exam resits £145
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Level: Professional qualification (globally recognised) at SCQF Level 8 (comparable to EQF Level 5 and RQF Level 5)
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Eligibility: Open to financial services professionals worldwide with an understanding of risk management principles
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Assessment: 1.5‑hour online exam consisting of 75 multiple‑choice questions, delivered via remote invigilation with instant results
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Certification: Digital certificate issued within 5 working days of successful completion
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Designation: Successful candidates may use the designation Cert CRP (Certified Climate Risk Professional)
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Registration validity: 12 months from enrolment
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Membership requirement: £45 annual Institute membership fee payable on registration
The Certificate may be studied as a standalone qualification or used as a contributory module towards the Professional Banker Diploma when combined with Professional Banker Certificate 2019 and a second Professional Banker Diploma module. The Professional Banker Certificate 2023 does not contribute to the Diploma in Green and Sustainable Finance, or the Professional Banker Diploma.
The qualification also contributes towards the Diploma in Sustainable Banking.
The Certificate in Climate Risk syllabus covers:
- The emergence of climate change and its impacts on the environment, economy, society, and the financial services sector
- The ability to identify, describe and classify climate-related financial and non-financial risks, and the impacts of these on the economy, society and the financial services sector
- The challenges in measuring, monitoring and reporting climate risks, and the availability and quality of data
- Identifying common approaches to modelling climate risks, including the use of scenario analysis
- Examining approaches and responses to climate risk at global, regional and national levels, and their impacts on the financial services sector
- Examining regulatory approaches and responses to climate risk at global, regional and national levels, and their impacts on the financial services sector
- Exploring approaches to defining, developing, articulating and embedding climate risk appetite, governance and culture
- Studying opportunities for the financial services sector in supporting the transition to a sustainable, low carbon world
Throughout the programme, learners will also develop key professional skills including analytical thinking, critical thinking, data literacy, digital literacy, ethical and professional judgement, problem solving, strategic thinking, risk management and professionalism.
View the Climate Risk Module Specification here:
This qualification is suitable for:
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Financial services professionals globally who work in, or aspire to work in, risk management roles
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Bankers, insurers, investment managers, analysts, consultants, central bankers and regulators
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Professionals seeking to build or demonstrate expertise in climate risk and sustainable finance
There are no formal entry requirements in terms of prior qualifications or work experience. However, an understanding of risk management principles and financial services practices is strongly recommended. Learners new to the topic may also wish to explore the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance or the Certificate in Sustainable Banking as an introductory pathway.
Study anytime, anywhere with a comprehensive suite of online learning resources, including:
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An interactive online workbook with structured learning activities
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Industry‑focused case studies reflecting real‑world practice
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Interactive eLearning modules with audio, video and quizzes
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Online knowledge checks to reinforce key concepts
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Exam preparation questions mapped directly to the module specification
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Personal reflection tools to support application of learning in the workplace
The programme can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, depending on study pace.